
Class ^^^y 



Gopght^j". 



COF/RIGHT DEPOSnV 



TALES FROM 

THE MINNESOTA FOREST 

FIRES 



A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE OF 
A RURAL SCHOOL TEACHER 



By 

ESTHER E. LARSON 




Hi 



Coiiyriglit, 1912 

By 

ESTHER E. I>ARF:0N 



€CU31G636 



INDEX TO LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Page 
The Ferg-uson Home Before the Fire 10 

Business Sections of Beaudette and Spooner before the Dis- 
aster 20 

Forest Fire Near tlie Two Towns on Oct. 7th 21 

The C. N. R. Depot of Beaudette 23 

The International Bridge 24 

A Residence Section of Rainy River, Ont 2G 

Shevlin-Mathieu Mill Plant 29 

Remains of Spooner and Beaudette after the Catastrophe. . . .32 

Ruins in Beaudette Residence Section 33 

Destroyed Structure of a Spooner Residence '. 3"4 

Ruins of a Residence in Beaudette 35 

Spooner Public School 35 

Ruins of the Spooner Hospital 36 

Temporary Post Office at Spooner, Oct. 12 37 

Ruins of Lenox Hotel 38 

Shevlin-Mathieu Lbr. Co.'s Boarding Camp Caring for Fire 

Refugees 44 

Relief \^'anagan Camp 46 

Main Street of Beaudette Two Weeks After Fire 47 

Ruins of Lower Bridge and Boat-Docks 48 

Early Pioneering in the North 52 

Collection of A^egetahles on Market Day, 1911 53 

Flower E.xhibition at Beaudette Fair, 1911 54 

I<:.\hibition of Grain and Vegetables at Fair, 1911 54 

Beaudette and Spooner Three Weeks After Fire 55 

Arrival of liapid River Refugees 56 

Henderson's Root-Cellar Where Many Lives Were Saved.... 59 
Only Residence Surviving the Fire 59 



INDEX TO LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS— Cont'd. 

Page 

Arrival of Co. K, of Bemidji and Governor Eberhart 60 

Photograph of Gov. A. O. Eberhart 61 

Early Relief Work at Beaudette 62 

Militia Retiring After Council 63 

Former Cathcart School at Beaudette 64 

Ruins of Cathcart School at Beaudette 64 

Mess Tent Where Soldiers Dined 65 

Fire Refugees at Beaudette 65 

Red Cross Hospital Camp 66 

Red Cross Hospital With Attendants During Fire Period.... 67 

Temporary Bank of Spooner 67 

Vault of Beaudette Bank 68 

Some Relief Hustlers 69 

Burial Scene at Silver Creek 76 

Memorial Services at Silver Creek 76 

Trench Grave of Twenty-Seven Victims 77 

Burial Rites at the Trench 78 

Tent Town at Spooner 79 

Future Co. "A" of Beaudette 81 

Scene on Beaudette School Grounds 82 

M. N. G. Barracks, Nov. 4, 1910 83 

M. N. G. Barracks During Winter. 84 

Doing Business Five Days After Fire 86 

Beginning First House for S.-M. Lbr. Co 87 

New Congregational Churcli 88 

City Hall at Spooner 88 

Two Towns Nine Months Afterwards 89 

Harvesting Oats Near Beaudette 89 

Citizens Marching to Cemetery 91 

Scene in Cemetery on Memorial Day 91 

First Memorial Services Observed 93 



TALES FROM THE MINNESOTA 
FOREST FIRES. 

During the fall when large forest fires ravaged the 
northern regions of Minnesota, the ])i<)neers and others 
living there had many strange and thrilling experiences. 
Several weeks before the countr\' was visited by the 
great inflagration, smaller fires had started up in other 
parts of Beltrami and Itasca Counties, causing more or 
less damage. The summer had 1)een a dry one, so that 
fallen timljer, under])rush and the grassy marshes were 
in such condition as to give the flames a strong headway 
when they once began. 

Graceton, the little village where my story begins, was 
a secluded siding on the Canadian Northern Railroad in 
Beltrami County. It consisted of a depot, stores and just 
enough buildings to give it a name on the map. Some 
lumbering and agriculture were the chief occupations. 
The people were mostly early settlers, who had taken up 
the land as ''homesteaders." ]\Iany had been the diffi- 
culties they had met with as they came to make the wild 
region their new home. Rude log cabins, or, if in better 
circumstances, small frame houses were erected to serve 
as dwellings. As soon as possible, the plucky people 
began to clear away the thick forests surrounding their 
abodes, and gradually to enlarge the small patches of 
cultivated ground, so as to secure heavier crops. Plod- 
ding ox teams were most commonly used while tilling 
the soil ; and with the help of these the sturdy farmer 



6 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

would toil, day in and day out, to achieve compensatory 
results; to change the wilderness into a fruitful agricul- 
tural region. 

It is not unusual to hear a pioneer of this section tell 
of his early experiences here. Often a bitter cold winter, 
with much ice and snow, was to be faced ; thus making the 
struggle for existence more severe. When stores were 
perhaps twenty, even thirty miles away, the settler would 
be obliged to carry flour and other provisions home on his 
back ; in many cases having only a foot-trail to follow 
through the woods. Not seldom the blood-curdling 
howls of a pack of gaunt wolves hailed his appearance 
among the trees ; the fierce creatures being kept at bay 
only by the flickering gleam of a lantern which they 
feared to approach. 

The mothers and wives, too, endured their full share 
of difficulties. They contentedly remained at home to 
perform household duties, and to shoulder responsibili- 
ties in caring for the children; often sacrificing accus- 
tomed enjoyments and luxuries — the companionship of 
old associates, and surroundings whose attractiveness 
was in marked contrast with those of the frontier home. 

Shortly before the "Great Fire" many had reached 
the height where visions of better times had begun to 
brighten their hopes ; the homes, in most instances, were 
now more comfortable ; larger areas of land were under 
cultivation, and the roads and railroad made the transpor- 
tation of supplies more convenient for them. 

A neat little schoolhouse was located in the center of 
the community where the children sought to obtain a 
share of knowledge, and often of amusement as well. 



Talcs From the M'uiucsota h'orcst /'ires 7 

There, one day in Se|)tenil)er, [ fonnd m\-selt anionj;^ 
them. A nnmlier of i^irls and Ixjys sh\ly smiled a i^Teet- 
ing as the\- arrixrd. and ])rocee(le(l, more or k'S> l)oldly, 
to "size np" llie new teaelier. 

The l)nsy chiys llew l)y so (|niekly that not onee did the 
shadow of a ])()ssil)le danger linger in onr thonghts. Ont- 
side, the landscai)e was all aglow with the rieh ecjlors of 
Indian Summer; huge houquets of the golden-rod and 
hlue asters that so al)undantlv decked the country-sides, 
graced the sclioolroom at all times — tril)utes given ])y the 
happy little children. 

One l^eautiful morning — it was the 4th of Octoher — 
I started for the school, which was located ahout one 
mile from where I resided. With a light heart 1 hurried 
forth, thoroughly enjoying the songs of the hirds and tlie 
autunui-tinted foliage of the woods near the roadside. 
Little did I dream of the catastrophe to 1:)efall us that day, 
or of the thrilling adventures to be passed through. 

The forenoon slipped by rapidly; n.ot a cloud did we 
notice, nor the faintest sign of smoke, but about one 
o'clock we could distinguish it in the atmosi)here, where 
it liecame more and more discerna])le. I had often seen 
smoke so dense, from forest tires raging thirty miles 
away, that it was impossible to see objects at even two 
blocks' distance; therefore, at hrst, 1 did not pay much 
attention to this. 

An hour later, in the midst of recitations. 1 felt wor- 
ried, or rather experienced a sud.len nervousness. Xot 
knowing the reason, 1 concluded it was l)ecause I was 
not accustomed to be near burning regions, having none 
but children with me. The little ones in the lower grades 



8 Talcs Froiii tJic Minnesota Forest Fires 

were sent out to play ; tlie older pupils requested to study 
their remaining lessons, that they might be dismissed 
earlier than usual. I did not think any serious event 
would occur, but knew the children would be safer with 
their own folks if anything should happen. 

Only the week before, the people of Cedar Spur, a 
village two miles distant, had fought surrounding fires ; 
so we wondered if the wind had caused them to burn 
anew. I made frequent rounds of inspection outside, 
keeping a constant watch for further signs of danger. 
I had barely returned to my work after one of those 
"rounds," when one of the boys cried out excitedly: "Oh. 
look at the flames." Dark volumes of smoke rose above 
the tree-tops, as it seemed, only half a mile from the 
school. Now and then tongues of fire leaped up, as the 
flames were then sweeping through a dry Ijalsam grove. 

Pale and frightened were those little faces, as I gave 
them an apprehensive glance ; but after the first shock of 
the moment, they all remained admiraljly self-controlled. 
After ringing in the younger pupils, we hastily donned 
our wraps ; and, stopping neither for books nor anything 
else, we rushed out in search of a place of safety. 

Two of the children, Clara and Melvin, ran home- 
wards as fast as their little legs would permit ; for their 
home seemed to lie in a safe direction. Fortunately they 
reached it safely, though shortly afterwards their home 
was also surrounded bv the destructive fires. Neal Paul- 
sen, a small boy from near Cedar Spur, was told to go 
with them as it was now impossible for him to get 
through to his own home. Also this place was the near- 
est, in case his anxious relatives should come in search 



Talcs From tlic Minnesota forest Fires 9 

of him. \\ luMi one of IIkmii came tliillicr, a few hours 
later, an anuisino- sio-ht oreeled him. Instead of an 
injured or friohtened httle i^roup, all the youngsters were 
sitting com])lacently on or near the cracker-hox in the 
cellar, gayly munching their feast of crackers. Outside 
were the parents, doing their utmost to protect the house. 

A\hen coming in search of Neal, Mr. Brown, who had 
been sent on this errand, had great difficulty in pushing 
his way through the burning region. Only by lying close 
to the ground, at repeated intervals, did he succeed in 
reaching his destination, for the air was so filled with 
heavy smoke and cinders that he could not breathe other- 
wise. 

All the other children were with me. We headed for 
the large meadows and plowed field near Ferguson's 
place. The smaller tots clung to my hands as we hurried 
on; the others ran ahead of us. Poor, frightened little 
dears. In spite of my cheerful assurances, tears would 
come, for they fully realized our peril. It did not appear 
quite so imminent then as it did a few moments later. 

Looking back I could see liow the fire was apparently 
chasing us, the terrific wind aiding its course. As we 
came to the cross-roads close to our destination, imagine 
our horror, when we were confronted by two other 
gigantic fires, rising high over the tall tree-tops. The 
children screamed in terror as the hot blast and cinders 
struck our faces, and the mufiled, crackling sounds fell 
upon our ears ; l)ut as yet the fires were on the other side 
of the wide-spreading fields; and the children o1)ediently 
flung down their lunch-buckets and raced to their homes. 
All lived in the same direction, and it was just a short 



lo Talcs Fvoin the Minnesota Forest Fires 

distance now from the corner where we stood. The 
frantic parents were more than reHeved when their Httle 
ones appeared safe and unharmed. The danger had come 
over the vicinity so suddenly that no one was given time 
to reach the school huilding- and warn us of our perilous 
situation. 

Two little scholars remained with me at J. B. Fergu- 
son's place, where I boarded, their home being near the 
depot at Graceton, which had just been entirely destroyed. 
We did not know of this then. 

Finding Airs. Ferguson gone, after Mr. Robinson, a 
neighbor, had searched high and low for her, the two 




The Home of .1. B. Ferguson, Taken Slioilly Before the 
Graceton Fire. 



Talcs Troiii the M inncsota Torcst I'ircs i i 

children ami I slarlcd willi liini f< t llir railroad. liMpin,-;- 
to board s«mik' rclicf-lrain wliicli \vr kiuw would l)c sent to 
our rescue from a near-l)\ station. lla\in.-- covered part 
of the distance, we found it inipo>sihle to i)roceed, on 
account <»f ih.e dense sulTocatinj^- smoke. The roarini^ fires, 
crackliui;- loudly in the dry underbrush, were on either 
side of the road, coveriui;- nearl\ the whole stretch betore 

us. 

Back lo the Ferguson house we all sped, wonderiuij: 
where it would be safest to remain. Xear the root-house 
was a large stack of hay; and, if it should burn, that 
place would be a very dangerous shelter. The well 
in the vard did not look very inviting, so we took ref- 
uge in the cottage: which, in our favor, was tin-covered. 
Even inside, the smoke was very dense, almost choking 
us as we inlialed it. Mr. Robinson therefore drew from 
the well several buckets of water; and, by frequently 
dipping towels in it and holding them to our faces, we 
were able to breathe more easily while awaiting the com- 
ing contingency. 

Ella and kjlwin, the two children who were witli me. 
were all the while much excited ; their tear-stained cheeks 
showing their fear and distress. Seating them in a corner 
wdiere they could not see how our "enemy" progressed. 
1 happened to give them crackers also, similar to the feast 
the three schoolmates I mentioned before had partaken 
of: emptving the jar so they would have sufficient to 
occupy their minds as well as mouths with for a while. 
The sight was, indeed. i)rovocative of humor, had one 
been in the mood for it. 1m )r we three still embraced our 
wet towels while eating: they being the only relief for 



12 



Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 



our smarting eyes and throats. ^l\\ Robinson busied 
himself by making preparations outside, around the 
house : also placing a ladder in the well, so we might go 
down in case the house was doomed. Then he set off 
to see about some aged neighbors living in the midst of 
the forest from whence the fires seemed to have come. 
They were all safe. One, a cripple, living alone, was 
in his cabin when the fire swept by. Though all around 
his place w^as burned, not a spark injured the dwelling. 
But let me return to my former su1:)ject: — The chil- 
dren and I were alone, after Mr. Robinson left us to go 
in quest of these settlers. Going from window to win- 
dow, I saw how the atmosphere was every now and then 
lighted up by a deep lurid hue. This would usually occur 
when the flames flared up in some fine birch grove, or 
in such inflammable material as a clump of dry fir-trees. 
When, instead, the fires were creeping along like so many 
destructive demons, the scene would change to a dark 
evening effect hiding completely the rays of the sun dur- 
ing the remainder of the day. Nearer and nearer, all 
around our frail shelter, did the fires advance. Denser 
did the smoke become ; louder did the crackling sound 
in our ears. We knew^ if the buildings caught fire there 
would be little chance to escape death, either through 
suffocation or by l^eing cremated. jNIeanwhile there was 
nothing w^e could do but wait — wait until something or 
someone would put an end to the suspense and monotony. 
While we were sitting there, one of the little ones inno- 
cently asked "Oh, do you think we are going to burn up, 
teacher?" It certainly was a rather startling question, 
but knowing the dear child expected some comforting 



Talcs From Ihc Minnesota Forest Fires 13 

word in rei)l\ I answered decidedly : "W'liy no, of course 
not; God always liears little children, and He will surely 
take care of us." That settled the matter, and J did 
notice, after that, liow childisli lips were niovino^ in silent 
prayers, such as only little ones can send up unto Heaven. 

At ahout seven o'clock, Mr. McClernen, another neij^h- 
hor living- nearly a mile from where we were, hurried 
over to hnd out whether any human l)eino- was still at 
Ferguson's. He had heard we had gone, in an effort 
to reach the railroad, in the afternoon, yet something 
prompted him to investigate ere evening drew near. Oh, 
how glad we were to have someone come to our relief. 
AVe did so dread spending the night there alone, not 
knowing what would happen before morning. 

Leading the two children, Mr. McClernen rapidly 
guided the procession through the 1)linding smoke to his 
own home. All around us it was burning, being mostly 
brush near the road. In going part of the way, we passed 
only a few feet from the blazing l)ushes. What a pro- 
tection we then found in our wet towels, for the heat was 
intense. Arriving at the house, we found it crowded, 
for several others had also come to the place. One 
family, Canfield's, had been spending the day at this home, 
thus happening to be there when the fire occurred. Oth- 
ers, knowing it would h^ easier to protect themselves by 
uniting all forces in "fire fighting," came hither with that 
intention. It was so dark when we reached the gate that 
it was necessary to light the lam])s inside. The hres had 
not yet surrounded the place ; but presto — change ; the 
gale swept the flames up the tall birches and pines so 



14 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

fiercely that the skies were the next moment hke a fire- 
red oven. It was a terrible but magnificent sight. 

Our place of shelter stood in a field quite close to the 
burning forest. Brands of fire were showered far and 
near, adding to the perils of our situation. No one knew 
but that we might all perish on the spot, for the place 
seemed entirely surrounded for some time. But, with 
the sturdy grit so common among our northern pioneers, 
the elders kept at work. They were determined to win 
out, if their efforts would be of any avail. Four men 
were dowm by the stables, trying to protect them, as 
well as the winter supply of hay near by ; while the brave 
wives and mothers scurried around outside the dwelling, 
beating out the sparks which flew about constantly. One 
of the women had even managed to get up on the roof, 
where she sat in state or scuttled after those malicious 
sparks as need demanded. When the worst was over, 
she gladly made her descent, having put out many small 
yet very dangerous l)lazes. Mabel, an older pupil, and I 
were inside, singing to the babies and amusing the younger 
children. Whenever we ventured outside to have a 
glimpse of the wonderful proceedings of the fire, an 
uncomfortable stinging of eyes and throats would quickly 
drive us back again. In the house the air was also heavy, 
but in contrast with that outside was much more breath- 
able. What a time we all had, to Ije sure ! Thus, w^e 
continued till late in the evening, when the fires died down 
a little. After snatching a midnight lunch, the watchers 
took turns in guarding the buildings. 

The children were deep in sluml)cr after retiring at 
such a belated hour. Even the "grown ups" changed 



7\i!cs From iJic Minnesota Forest Fires 



T5 



about in trxiii!:;- to i;et a few winks of slccj), and kcc'])ini; 
a watchful eye on the outdoor occurrences. The rooms 
which had been ti.o-litly closed to keej) out the smoke, 
were soon ratlier warm; so wc would fain i;-o outside 
in the midnii^ht dusk, hoping to get a few whiffs of 
fresh air. How impossible it seemed ! \un- smoke, — smoke 
was everywhere. ( )h, how we longed for a breath of ])ure 
air, which we were unable to get. 

About two o'clock in the morning the wind had 
calmed down. The ])lackened tree-trunks were diml} 
discerned in the darkness, as here and there piles of brush 
and wood were still burning, glowing like so many bon- 
fires in the distance. No sounds were heard, except the 
snapping of sparks or the dull thud of some forest giant 
as it fell amid that scene of devastation. 

During this time. Air. Canfield, on whose land the 
school had been situated, came over in search of his son's 
family, who had l^een visiting at the AlcClernen home 
during the day. He had groped his way through ashes 
and fallen timber, in spite of smoke and l)urnt-down 
bridges. 

Almost the first cpiestion that greeted him was 'Ts 
the schoolhouse still standing?" He then told how between 
two and three o'clock in the afternoon tlie forest 
fires had come speeding along so rapidly that it had been 
useless for liim to tr\- to save anything. His home. l)arns 
and hay were all destroyed. I lis life was saved l)y Ixing 
in a potato-field. 

Through the smok\- atmosphere he could see how 
flames arose, as from a burning building. As soon as 
he was able, he w^ent over to find the schoolhouse reduced 



i6 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

to a glowing mass of ruins. It was done so 
quickly that it was calculated that, if we had remained 
but five minutes more, we could not have escaped. How 
thankful we were, although it was hard to realize the 
truth. 

The children were now wide awake. What a dis- 
appointment it was to them when they heard that their 
school, with its shady playground, had been destroyed. 
Immediately their elders consoled them with the assur- 
ance that if most of them were not made homeless, some 
device would be planned by which they could continue 
their school work. One of the women kindly offered to 
give up one of her rooms for that purpose (as she heard 
her house had been left untouched) if no other place was 
available. 

Morning dawned at last, and with it a feeling of relief 
from the suspense of the night before. As early as 
possible, Mr. Bongfelt, the father of Ella and Edwin, 
appeared. He was overjoyed when he found them alive. 
He informed us that Graceton was all in ashes ; not a 
building remained. His wife and younger children, 
together with a neighbor's family, had escaped on a hand- 
car to Beaudette. Their husbands were at work on the 
railroad further up the track. Many other inhabitants 
had been picked up by relief trains which promptly 
arrived. 

Hearing of our peril from Mr. Robinson, who had 
just returned without finding us at the Ferguson home, 
he and two others hastened on to find us. The train 
crew promised to wait at the depot at Graceton as long 
as the peril from the surrounding fires would permit. 



Talcs Troiii I lie M iiiiicsota I'orcst Tires ly 

T\\v\ ai^rcvMl to ,<;ivc sio^nal-wliistles if ()l)li^ccl to go 
ahead. According- to c\e-\vitncsscs, the train did not 
start forward until tlic aw fid llanies leaped up around 
the sides of the traek ; then it seemed almost hopeless for 
the refugees to esea])e/'' \\-{ all in vain did the three men 
make the attempt to hnd us. Having gone ])art of the 
distance, Mr. liongfelt's companions gave up and turned 
hack, and lie alone pushed onward. AVhen he came to 
the garden fence, near the pl^ce where Mr. Rohinson 
claimed he had left us, he could not distinguish whether 
the house was standing or not. Tie tried to reach the 
spot by crawling on his hands and knees, hut found it 
useless. The lire and smoke were too much, even for 
him. So he, too, was obliged to give up and turn back 
with a heavy heart and all hopes of reaching us gone. 
Before morning, however, some one met him and told 
him where the children \vere. Mrs. Bongfelt was a 
happ\- mother that tirst morning, when she clasped her 
little ones in her arms again, after mourning them all 
night as dead. 

How delighted I was to hear that Ferguson's place 
was safe. When we left there the day before the brush 
was burning only ten or twelve yards from the stable 
buildings, while the fires were doing their best to destroy 
the fine grove of trees not far from the ha\stacks on the 
opposite side of the road. 

Over the burnt bridges, fallen logs, and through the 
charred fields to Ferguson's I hastened as soon as it was 
daylight. What a surprise to find tlie (^nce white-pa "nted 



^This took place Oct. 4tli, the first afternoon of the fire. 



i8 Talcs From flic Mijiucsota Forest Fires 

cottage had changed to a dull 1)r()\vn color. So effective 
had the smoke and heat been during the night. Inside 
were cinders and ashes, strewn on floors, furniture and 
everything; but, as it appeared, none of the buildings 
were damaged or the stock injured. Poor stupefied- 
looking brutes those cattle then were, as, huddled 
together on a field, they seemed to ponder on what had 
happened. How solitary it was ! no song of birds, no 
gaily tinted foliage. What a contrast from the morning 
before ! 

I was not alone, however, for faithful old Coolie, the 
dog, greeted me with his friendly bark as soon as he 
spied me coming. He capered aliout in doggish delight, 
to show how glad he was to recognize a familiar face. 
The pet cats responded eagerly to my call. Soon there 
was an. all-around mutual congratulation between my 
animal friends and myself, that we were alive to take in 
the strange situation together. 

Knowing Mrs. Ferguson would return as soon as she 
was able, I sat down to view the ravaged landscape and 
watch for her, when I heard the early train signalling for 
Graceton ( ?). Soon, on the sooty stretch of land, I saw 
two human forms slowly approaching. It proved to be 
my friend, accompanied by my big brother ; who, fearing 
the worst, had taken the first train from Beaudette. How 
pleased I was to announce that we had all come out unin- 
jured, and that not even a fowl had perished on Ferg- 
uson's place. Only the beautiful timber of yesterday 
showed sad marks of the fire's work. 

Mrs. Ferguson, poor little woman, had, in spite of 
her own safety, passed a terril)le night, not knowing but 



Talcs from flic Minnesota I'orcst I'ircs 19 

that their h(inu\ slock and all else were o-one ; or whether 
I was alive, after such a scene as slie had witnessed when 
tlie lelief train pulled out from the villa-e. Her hus- 
l)and, ])ein^ temporarily absent, did not receive in time 
the delaved message telling of the coming fire, so did 
not reach Graceton until two days later. 

After the joyful greetings and congratulations were 
over, that brother of mine spied something in the turnip 
field, which to him seemed pathetic as well as very amus- 
ing. It proved to be my trunk, which Ella and I had 
laboriouslv lugged down to safety. Then with a few^ jocose 
remarks, such as suggesting a "snap shot" of us sitting 
on that trunk and amid the blazing surroundings, this 
wearying subject was dropped. Instead, we tried to 
realize that the dreadful crisis was over, and how grate- 
ful we ought to be for God's great goodness. 

The air was very oppressive and murky for several 
days afterwards; especially at night, when the smoke 
would enter the rooms and almost seem to stille us. To 
think the pure country air could change to such as this! 
But it caused us to appreciate its great value so nmch 
more afterwards. 

Xo lives were lost in this comnnmity ; but there were 
many very narrow escapes. Though everyone sufifered 
material losses, more or less, all were tliankful that they 
had not met with a greater calamity. 

Before presenting the next catastrophe, the towns of 
Spooner and Beaudette will be introduced to the readers. 
These places are located twelve miles west of Graceton, 
on the very frontier of the State. The Rainy River 
separates them from the Canadian shore, and the town 



20 



Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 



of Rainy River (Ontario) is situated directly opposite 
Spooner. 

Lumbering is carried on very extensively at these 
three places ; and agriculture and fishing at the Lake of 
the Woods form other industries. 

Leaving Graceton for my home at Spooner, two days 
after the first fire, I rejoiced to think I should have a 
short vacation ere I should resume my usual routine of 
work in the now desolate localitv. But how easily cher- 





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Business Sections of Beaudette and Spooner, before the Fire, 
Showing- Bridges and River. 



ished plans are shattered, and what changes will occur 
with hardly a moment's notice ! 

Before the next day had drawn to a close, another 
catastrophe took place ; the disastrous destruction of 
Spooner and Beaudette, on the ''not to be forgotten" 
seventh of October, 1910. 

The village of Pitt, four miles west of Beaudette, 
was threatened the same day. At half-past three o'clock 



Talcs From llic Miiiiicsola I'orrsl I'irrs 




Taken in the Afternoon. 



in the afternoon a relief train left Pitt,, l)rino-ing its 
inhabitants to Beaudette. Some of the men remained to 
defend the place, Init were forced to yield to the mighty 
enemy and flee for their own lives. Pitt was entirely 
destroyed, with the exception of the depot, which, by 
a miracle, withstood the fray. 

No one thought l)nt that our two towns were safe, 
there being good fire protection at 1)()th places. Only 
time revealed to' us the futility of these defenses. At 
four o'clock the whole atmosphere was filled with smoke, 
darkening the sun and causing the sky to take on a dusky 
reddish hue. Many of the children, when dismissed from 
school, hastened homewards more ([uickly than usual; 
and each and all gazed wonderingly on the peculiar trans- 
formation. Fear crept into tlie hearts of many, but the 



22 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

majority took no precautions whatever, for couldn't two 
such towns defend themselves from an ord'narv forest 
fire, if one possil^ly should come? Some of the citizens, 
however, stationed large water-hose at various places in 
the outskirts of Beaudette, in order to protect the town 
should the fire advance from Pitt. Hose was also laid 
along the river bank near Spooner, directly opposite, so 
that place could be defended in case Beaudette should 
burn. 

The fire did not prove to be of such a nature, but 
mstead, came upon us with a most unusual as well as 
unexplainable explosion, which, as will be shown, caused 
the most terrible results inside of a few hours' time, 
covering a wude stretch of country, includ'ng vicinities 
even thirty miles distant. 

About six o'clock, the air was still heavy, but now 
the horizon was dark — not a sign on it to indicate the 
threatening calamity. At seven, my brother came home 
and advised us to go to the depot, as no one knew what 
might happen ; and a feeling of uneasiness had come 
over a few. With some misgivings on my part, though 
just recently I had met with a similar experience, we 
started for the station across the bridge to Beaudette. 
My two older brothers remained at our home, to carry 
furniture and other articles to the vacant back lot, deter- 
mined to continue w^ith the undertaking until the last 
moment. The elder one, feeling positive some evil was 
to befall the town very soon, urged us anxiously to make 
a hasty departure. Not comprehending the gravity of 
the situation, we did not take anything but our wraps 
and a few valuable papers with us, thinking we would 



l\ilcs I'i'oiii the Minnesota Forest Fires 



23 



soon he liack, after our cwnini;- walk. Arrix'ini;- at our 
(k'stinatioii. \\c; had to wait onl)- a few iniiiiites l)cforc 
a roariiii^' gale was heard outside, (iradually a few more 
arri\'als joined us, all with a douhtful exi)ression on their 
countenances. Going' out on tlie platform, wc could see 
the same lurid color creeping over the horizon as earlier 
in the afternoon appearing still more intensified in the 
darkness of nisjlit. Messages were wired across to Can- 




Canadian NuiLhern Depot at Beaudette. 



ada with orders to have relief trains ready, if found neces- 
sary. In and out the depot restless watchers passed, in 
spite of the strong wind, which threatened to hurl them 
headlong to the ground ])elow the (lc])()t platform, and 
which scattered cinders aliout so freel_\- tliat it was a 
painful task to keep one's eyes o])en. 



24 



Talcs From flic Minnesota Forest Fires 



Scarcely half an hour had expired, when the cry was 
heard from the men perched on the tall building across 
from the depot "It's coming- all right, heading straight 
this way. Quick ! Give the fire alarm !" Never w^ill I 
forget how violently it set our hearts beating, when the 
shrill whistles loudly sounded their warning call in that 
dark hour. How the sounds of hasty trampling feet 
were heard in response, as one by one, in group after 
group, people assembled on the platform of the Beaudette 
depot. 

There were parents carrying or leading their children ; 
invalids and convalescents, conveyed in blankets through 
the jostling crowd ; fainting women and aged mothers, 
leaning for support on some stronger arm. All alike 
were fleeins^ from the fiery demons that in a few moments 




International Bridge, Crossing- the Rainy River into Canada. 



Talcs Fvoui the Minnesota Forest Fires 25 

wonkl destroy their homes and clicrishcd treasures. No 
time to save them now! so onward rushed the throng, 
little heedins;' if onl)- deliverance would come to them 
soon. 

After a few minutes, which seemed like an eternitv, 
a locomotive was heard thundering over the International 
bridge, crossing into the ''States." Oh ! what a relief, 
the awful suspense would soon l)e broken! I hit, alas! 
what did we see? The coming engine had l)Ut one coach 
for so many anxious people. Selfishness being the dom- 
inant spirit in a moment like this, a most dangerous 
panic ensued. All wished to be with their loved ones in 
that one precious car. It was filled in a few seconds ; 
even the steps and vestibule were closely occupied ; and 
so signalled, "Clear the track !" that it might return to 
Canada. 

The crowd left behind was wild with excitement. It 
was almost heartrending to hear how pitifully some 
pleaded to have at least their small children taken al)oard, 
or perhaps an aged mother or hysterical wife. Their 
pleadings were in vain. "No more room," was the answer. 
And then and there did many a mortal pause in the ordeal, 
to wonder if he would dare to face God's judgment 
throne if now called to answer for past proceedings. 

Meanwhile the towns were in full blaze ; and not three 
blocks from where we were gathered were large oil 
tanks containing thousands of gallons of gasoline. When 
the train started back, the conductor, standing in the 
rear end of the car, finally succeeded in making himself 
heard through the u])roar and din issuing from the panic- 
stricken mass of Inmianitv. He announced that thev 



26 



Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 



would return inside of twenty minutes, with forty box 
cars to rescue them. Yet who could w'th common sense 
— which some had lost now — be satisfied to wait twenty 
minutes more? Who knew what might happen during 
that time? If the flames reached the gasoline tanks, the 
terrible explosion would bring certain death to all where 
they were waiting. The fire, which was rapidly spread- 
ing, might even seize the depot and houses around it, 
thus making escape seem well nigh impossible. 

Never can we forget the scene which followed. Chil- 
dren crying in fright, while clinging tremblingly to their 
parents or guardians; mothers calling wildly' for little 
ones who in the rush had been separated from them ; 
terror-stricken women sobbing and wringing their hands ; 
men, who were fools enough to curse \vhile death stared 







^iS.'^^^ 




" '^^■^' 


LMIi 







A Residence View of Ilainy River, Ont. 



'Jules J'roiii llic Miinicsota /•orrsi h'irrs 27 

tlu'in ill the face. All this, wliilc the vc-rv licavciis seemed 
n')\v ready to (>])en witli a el()iidl)iirsl of fire upon ii> at 
any nioiiienl. Tlie skies were entirely covered with tlie 
fiery reddish hue. i^-rowini;- more and more livid as the for- 
est fires drew nearer. The very atmosphere was filled 
with h.issin.«;- elements, i^radnally silenced at intervals l)y 
the increasing- roar of the wind. 

Even on the Canadian side, the woods w^re hurnino; 
close to the railroad. Already the fires had hurled flames 
across the river and were rapidly destroying a large luill 
plant in Rainy River, Ontario, opposite Spooner. The 
town of Rainy River was only saved hy a change in the 
course of the wind, its inhahitants mostlv having fled to 
the waiting relief-trains. Rainy iN^iver heing a railroad 
center, these trains were made up in the yard. PUit it 
seemed to us, as we stood packed together, that it would 
be a risky afifair to board those freight cars, even if they 
came in time. Vor what if, when packed with a human 
cargo, they should catch fire while passing through the 
blazing stretch of forest! Not wishing to remain in such 
a perilous situation as that at the depot, we decided to 
act, and to act quickly. My brother suggested we should 
go down the steep bank of the river nearby, and find 
shelter behind the concrete wall of the large iron bridge. 
This the rest agreed to; so wq set off immediately, fol- 
lowed by some of our neighbors. 

By and l)y tlie freight train did come, and in a few 
moments sped by on its return to Canada ; every car 
filled to its utmost capacity. It could not proceed further 
than Rainy River just then; so, as the wind turned favor- 
al)ly, the passengers all spent the reiuainder of tlie niijht 



28 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

there. In the morning the town's inhabitants, who appre- 
ciated the good fortnne which had spared their own 
property, did what was in the'r power to help the home- 
less refugees to food and shelter. 

When we looked up and saw the freight train above 
us, w^e actually felt quite satisfied at the water's edge. 
The smoke did not trouble us there ; and we had a splen- 
did point from which to watch the real melodrama as it 
was acted out by the fire fiends. The waters were lashing 
wildly against the banks. The waves were so high, 
indeed, that some who ventured out in gasoline launches 
had to turn back to the shore. But we felt safer there ; 
the high bank sheltering us from the smoke, even though 
we had the full benefit of the chilly night winds. Still, 
little did we care for the present. Did we not have the 
experience of a lifetime, seeing sights which would not 
soon be forgotten? Each one there hoped his home was 
spared ; though inwardly something seemed to whisper 
it was gone — gone. 

A switch engine came over from Canada, and stopped 
above our place of refuge. Its crew came to watch the 
progress of the fire, and to bring all who were left on 
the American side to safety, should the flames approach 
the large oil tanks. Providence did not permit such a 
disaster to happen, however. Miraculously the fires 
burned all around, but kept away from the tanks, thus 
preventing a most terrible explosion. The flames even 
caught in the coal chutes, not far from the place men- 
tioned, and for days afterwards that mass of coal glowed 
with more than a friendly warmth. The heat could be felt 
even in the cars, as the trains passed by the burning heap. 



Talcs From I lie Minnesota Forest Fires 



29 



As inidnii^lu advanced, wc wondered vaj^uely if we 
really were homeless, and longed for the dawn which would 
reveal the truth to us. j^^roni where we sat we could wit- 
ness the efforts made to save the Shevlin-Mathieu Luml)er 
Company mills, on the ])oint opposite us, in Spooner. 
The lari^e lumher \ard was all al)laze ; l)ut brave-hearted 
men, with steady arms, were keepini;- the fires at bay 








Shevlin-Matliieii IMill Plant, Spooner, Minn. 



with the powerful hose the plant afforded. It seemed 
impossible to fight the infuriated flames at first, for the 
•heat from the burning lath and lumber was awful; but in 
these few men wdio had undertaken the task there dw^elt 
a heroic nature. Jts doing meant not alone the saving 
of property, but, far more, the lives of many helpless 
women and children, whose resctie depended chiefly on 
the courage and success with which these men performed 
their work. Several of them were husbands and fathers, 
fighting for their loved ones with the most earnest endeav- 
ors. ]\Iany families had sought refuge in the power- 



30 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

house nearby, it being of cement ; several in the office- 
building, and others were in the Beaudette River below. 
So well did these men succeed, that ere daybreak every 
building on the plant was saved ; only the yard was 
entirely laid waste, with millions of dollars worth of 
material reduced to ashes. Oh, what a magnificent yet 
gruesome sight vras that blazing lumber yard ! It resem- 
bled a turbulent storm-tossed ocean, with its gleaming, 
gigantic waves rolling round and round, reaching high up 
towards the evening sky, now void of stars and moon. 
It seemed at one time to be entirely covered with surg- 
ing, fiery billows, covering a stretch of half a mile or 
more. Large dark gusts of steam would ascend where- 
ever the hose was applied. With the continuous roar 
and crackle of the flames, it was indeed a memorable 
scene. Words cannot describe it ; but, once imprinted on 
memory's page, with those who had the opportunity to 
view it, it remains a picture painted in unfading colors. 

It was wonderful to see the intelligence displayed l)y 
the mill-horses when being removed from the stable to 
the water's edge. As long as some one was with them, 
they were quiet ; Init when left alone, immediately they 
would break loose from their halters and try to escape 
or to follow. They were securely tied several times, but 
to no avail. At last a man took charge of them ; and how 
confident and trustful the poor beasts became, though the 
heat was so intense that the people crouching in the river 
claimed it made the water lukewarm where they were 
staying. 

As two entire towns, within one ])lock from the iron 
bridge, were wiped out of existence l)efore morning. 



Talcs from the Minnesota I'ovcst lures 31 

iiiinKToiis olluT firc'-\'ic\vs ])assc(l l)rf(ir(.' (Hir xisioii. ,\<»w 
and iIkmi wo would walk ai'onnd, walcliiiiL;' IIr- niiu-h-il- 
luniinatcd sights from a dislaiicc. When the hardware 
stores wei'e l)einL;' destrcjNed, it reminded ns ot a far-off 
hattlefield ; for the stores of eartridi^es and other forms 
of amnumition jxionied ofl like so man\ distant eannon 
i^oinj;' oil in rapid snceession. 

Abcmt one o'cloek that nis^lit, two of onr ])arty set 
out to learn whether or not our homes were burnt. They 
soon eame haek with the re])ort that not a huildinj^- could 
be seen in Spooner. Only i^lowing embers, tlaring here 
and there in the darkness. So, when morning dawned, 
we knew and felt, in the full sense of the word, that we 
were homeless. How strange it appeared, as we walked 
through the small remaining portion of Beaudette, sur- 
rounding the depot, that no cozy home had its doors 
open to receive us as usual; and, stranger still, that our 
towns, which had been so flourishing only a few liours 
before, were now so entirely wiped oiT the earth's surface. 
So quickly can van.ish the earthly possessions we often 
prize so highly ! 

What a picture niet our e\es, l)efore we had walked 
much farther than a couple of l)locks from the station ! 
The lower bridge across the Beaudette River was gone ; 
only the charred poles remained stretching across to the 
opposite shore. Beaudette was — as we afterwards found 
Spooner to be — a desolated i)lain, with ruins of every 
description. Taking a fleeting glance at it as we went 
l)y, we hurried forth, and, seeing the other bridge to our 
home town, crossing the same river a little farther down, 
w^as left, we hastily turned otu- footsteps thitlier. We 



7\ilcs i'voiii the Minnesota J'orc'sl I' ires 



33 



found even the sidewalks "one, and wvw nl)liocd t(j 
walk ankle deep in ashes, aecuninlaled e\er\ where. Xot 
a l)nildin,L;- (hd we see, witli the exeeplion of the mill 
j)lant. The eliarred remains of Inmljer were still hnrnin.i;- 
on the \ast stretch which was formerl\- the mill-xard. 
The iron rails of the side tracks here were melted and 
twisted out of shape. Tlie trnck cars were recoi;nized only 
hy the now shapeless wheels l\ini;- wliere they once had 
stood. 

Leaving;- this first scene, we {Kissed onward to fully 
view the (T\struction. and convince ourseh'es that the 
incident was altoi^ether too true to l^e doul)ted. h^)r a 
moment it was rather hewilderinj;". Xo walks, no fences; 
even the electric light and tele])hone lines were down. 
Crossings were destroyed; so it was necessary to go 
around the hollows that were left in order to reach the 
other side of the street. The streets had the at)])earance 




Ruins in Beaudette, Oct. 1910, Showing- Former Sites of Many 
Destroyed Homes. 



34 



Talcs From the Uliiuicsota Forest Fir 



es 



of being plowed at various places ; the clay or soil having 
also been affected by the fire. 

Thus we trudged steadily onward, in a dazed frame 
of mind, doing our best to realize that the scene before 
us was not merely a nightmare or a distressing dream, 
rather than the ruin-covered site of our once prosperous 
little town. 

By counting the squares, we were able to determine 
where to go, and naturally each party sought for the 




Paiins of a Spooner Residence. 



ruins of his own dwelling first. What a pathetic sight 
it was to see the homeless inhabitants return to view the 
sooty townsite. They seemed to approach from various 
directions, in group after group, seeking the place they 
had fled from the evening before. Cherished aims and 
anticipations for the future had come to naught in the 
catastrophe. Everywhere were former residents, digging 



Talcs I'l'oni the Minnesota Forest Fires 35 




Uuins of a iU'siden* c ai Beaudeile. 

in the ashes of their ruined homes for spoiled treasures, 
to preserve as souvenirs. To many, these small tokens 
were yet held dear, recalling, as they did, many house- 
hold memories. 




Spooner Public School. 



36 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

In the distance we could see the half-destroyed school 
building looming up against the smoky atmosphere, 
reminding one of the ancient ruins of a castle whose days 
of usefulness were over. What a marvel to note that for 
a three blocks distance, the electric-light system leading 
from the school to the corner of ]\Iain Street, for nearly 
four blocks, remained untouched. The globes of the very 
same street-lights are still in use at the time of this writ- 




Ruins of Hospital at Spooner. 

ing. The places of the sidewalks close beside, could only 
be distinguished by the ashes and rusty nails lying among 
the charred ruins. 

Walking over the blackened townsite, we would 
occasionally see dead dogs and cats, who had found escape 
impossible. In a few instances we were obliged to stop 
and put an end to the miserable existence of some poor 
little fire-blind kitten, who sat mewing piteously as we 
drew near. A great many horses and cows, which had 
been left in their staljles, perished in the flames, in whose 



Talcs Troiii flic M iiiiicsofa forest Fires 



37 



presence tlicN liccanie liclplrss. Tlic fonl <)(li)r of l)urnt 
llcsh, niiii,i;k'(l witli thai of Miioke, made conditions more 
nncomf()rtal)lc for ns as \\c passed aloni;'. Some wlio 
owned stock lia(k in spite of their own snd(k'n (k'partnre, 
set the l)rntes at hlierty, and tlie animals had snrvived l)y 
lieeini;-. Ijefore the tire reached them, to the more open 
snimrbs. east of the town of Spooncr, near the Rainy 




Temporary Post Office at Spooner. 



River. A few had received l)urns ; Imt. for all that, they 
were ready to recognize their masters, who came in search 
of them the next day. 

Yes, the entire country was a scene of utter desola- 
tion. The most striking feature, with those near by, was 
the fact that our Octo1)er-tinted forests, which just before 
had been luxuriantly gar1)ed in gay autumn colors, 



38 



Talcs From flic Minnesota Forest Fires 




Ruins of the Lenox Hotel at Spooner. 



were now jet l)lack and bare. Surrounding the two 
towns at some distance as they did, the true situation 
caused one's heart to sink all the more at the sad sight. 
During the night, one wee girl in our party had wept 
bitterly at the thought of losing her most beloved ''dolly" 
which her mother had wrapped up with other articles. 
Finding the street blocked by fire, they had been obliged 
to beat a rapid retreat in another direct'on. The mother 
becoming faint when seeing the ghastly fire-scenes and 
the panic of the people, it was necessary for the husband 
to support her. Having to do this and carry the two- 
year-old boy, the parcel was left to its fate in the street. 
Great was the delight of the small tot, when, in the 
morning, her treasure was restored and safely clasped 
in her arms. The large package had been found 



Talcs From the Minnesota Forest lures 39 

unharmed where it had 1)ccn (h-oppcd, Ihoii^ii llic llaiiics 
had swept entirely aronnd and c:lose np to it. 

A small hoy, living- in llic same neighhorhood as little 
Bertha, was not qnitc so fortunate. That week he had 
received a new^ gun. This and his pet dog were the dear- 
est joys of his hoyish heart. ( )n this particular Friday eve- 
ning he sat toying wdth the gun, w^hile the dog lay asleep 
by his side. Leaving them for awhile, he did not get 
an opportunity to admire either again, for he, too, had 
soon hut one thought, to flee for his own life. In the 
morning, when he returned, he found his treasures lying 
side hv side in the ruins of his home. Other little chil- 
dren had some similar experiences, but their sorrows soon 
passed over, in the excitement which followed. 

Otherwise, no tears were seen. All were in the same 
condition — "in the same boat," quoting from the popular 
saying about them. The calamity was borne with admi- 
rable courage and fortitude, l^y women as well as men. 
Every human being, w^ho w^as now in such a destitute 
plight, had the greatest cause to rejoice, in spite of 
material losses. Though the fires had come leaping over 
the tree-tops and — as several had the opportunity to wit- 
ness — it seemed out of the very sky, showering clouds 
of red flames far and near, all escaped with their lives, 
save an aged woman in Spooner. In Beaudette no lives 
were lost. Had the disaster burst upon us a few hours 
later, the most horrible result might have occurred. As 
it w^as, we could not help l)ut ol)serve our great salvation, 
the knowdedge of whicli made it easier to bear our 
unexpected trouble. 

Returning to the depot, we found many homeless 



40 Talcs From flic j\Iiiiiicsota Forest Fires 

refugees, who had fled from their "homesteads," assem- 
bled there. Most of them were strangers at this 
place, perhaps with no money for food ; and, in the major- 
ity of cases, with only the scanty clothing they wore. 
As they were huddled together on the seats, the floor, 
and the platform, it made one's heart ache to see their 
pitiful,- sad condition. On many a countenance a look 
of despair outlined their careworn features ; but as with 
their neighboring fellow-men in the towns, a spirit of 
fortitude prevailed even among them. 

Early the first morning after the fire, a young couple 
reached Beaudette, who had been residing on their claim 
only five miles from town. The woman was almost frantic 
with excitement as she related how they with their one 
cow, had been standing on a sandy spot all night while 
the fires raged around them. She was leading the cow 
when they arrived, for her husband came stumbling on 
behind, not being able to see anything, as his eyes had 
been so injured by cinders and heavy smo'ke that the eye- 
lids were glued together. His condition was so serious 
for a few days that it was thought he would be blind for 
Hfe. 

Oh, how much pain and agony did many undergo that 
first week ! Several suffered from physical torture ; others 
from the extreme worry many were forced to endure when 
absent from their dear ones during the disaster. It hap- 
pened that, shortly before the calamity, a few of the cit- 
izens of Beaudette and Spooner set out on their annual 
trip of duck-hunting at the Lake of the Woods. Their 
families were therefore without their assistance when 
this fearful fire occurred. While at a remote point on 



7"(//(\N' I'roiii I lie Minnesota /-'orcsl hires 41 

the lake, a siuUlen s(|iiall came up, so lliey were unable 
io cross the water in tlie launcli. At a small i)i)st()ffice 
near at hand, rumors came to tlicm that the two towns 
had been laid waste wdth oreat loss of life. < )h.- what a 
terrible n^oment for those fathers and husl)ands! 1 *er- 
ha])s, tlieir own folks were dead or sulTerin.L;-, and here 
were the\ , prevented from s^oing- to them by the. mighty 
storm, which threatened to sink the boat whenever they 
ventured out. Strong men wept at the thought. 

After some time the wind subsided; and, as fast as 
the engine could propel it, the launch hastened onward, 
to lessen the suspense of these anxious citizens. Xot 
until they arrived at the dock in "Old r.eaudette" (the 
portion first settled by white people) were their minds 
set at rest. It was noticed that, when the launch came 
in, there was no tooting of horns or hilarity exhibited, 
as on former occasions. Instead, anxious faces asked 
the questions which were now the chief thoughts of 
each one concerned. 

In several instances, families had become separated, 
and were not united until one or two days after the 
disaster. So it happened when an aged grandmother 
was alone at her daughter's home, with two little chil- 
dren, aged six and three years, the same week the parents 
had gone to a claim up the river, which they wished to 
examine, never once even dreaming of such a change on 
their return, ddie night of the fire, after i)Utting the 
little ones to bed, the grandmother went next door to 
ask if she could bring the children over, as the terrible 
gale outside frightened her. I'.arely had they returned 
when the crv "The fire is coming" was heard on the 



42 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

street. Running- home to secure valuables, she was back 
in a few seconds, only to find that her neighbors as well 
as grandchildren had disappeared. Thinking thev were 
safe with some one else, and knowing she could not find 
them in the rush, the brave old lady hurried ofif towards 
the mill. There she joined a few others who were head- 
ing for the river. 

In the morning we met her, calm and hopeful. She 
was in search of the children, but as we could tell her 
nothing concerning either, she hastened on her way, 
determined to find them, being positive they were yet alive. 
Joining her in the attempt, our inquiries brought the 
information that two little tots, robed only in night 
clothes, had been seen by various persons the evening 
before. The tiny girl had run, barefooted and thinly 
clad, with the vast crowd ; while a man had carried the 
boy. They had been taken to Rainy River on the freight 
train, like the rest. Being with strangers, no one knew 
much about them, except what the elder child could 
tell, and she was much too frightened to do anything but 
grieve and sob, when no trace of her beloved guardian 
could be found. Kind-hearted women took charge of 
the young refugees and dressed them warmly, while 
trying to console them ; but nothing could comfort Elsie, 
who had never been absent from home alone in all her 
short life. As the children had become separated on the 
street, her sorrow was increased when both Grandma 
and ''baby ])rother" were missing. In the morning she 
was brought to Beaudette, but saw no familiar face 
among those assembled there. Then slie disappeared 
again, so we could not trace her. Several claimed Elsie 



Talcs From fJic Minnesota Forest Fires 43 

had l)een at tlic depot sliortly before, and in(|uiries had 
been made concerning her folks. We continned our 
rather fruitless search. Finall\- a £;entleman told of a 
little i^irl wlio had just arrived on an in])oun(l train from 
Rainy River that morning. She claimed her home had 
been at Spooner. To our relief, she was discovered at the 
station, but crying as if her tender heart would break. 
Drawling her to me, it was hard to make her realize, 
for a moment, that at last she had an old friend to cheer 
her (Elsie having been a neighbor of mine). Hand in 
hand we went out to find "Grandma," Elsie's baby face 
all smiles now, in spite of the recent shower of tears. 
But no sign of her grandmother could be found ; and, 
knowing we w^ould encounter some of her relatives dur- 
ing the day, we crossed over to Spooner, hoping to find 
rert and shelter in one of the mill buildings, none other 
being available. 

The same day the wee maiden was restored to her 
joyful grandmother, together with her little brother. 
The mother soon joined them there. She had spent the 
terrible night with a friend whom she had been visiting 
that day, in a boat on the river, not daring, during that 
time, to go ashore, as the country there, too, was on fire. 
To their deep sorrow, the father was reported as miss- 
ing, even on the third day; but great was their happiness 
when he, wnth other cruisers, came tramping into the 
camps, worn out with exhaustion, but well and by all 
means — alive. 

Homeless refugees had been invited to partake of 
the kind hospitality offered liy the Shevlin-lMathieu 
Lumber Co. All were welcome to dine freely at their 



44 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 




A Refuge for the Fire Sufferers. 

boarding-camps, where meals were served regularly, 
without recompense or regard to individuals. In one of 
the large buildings here, another pathetic sight greeted 
us. Several former citizens and their families were 
grouped together on the "bunks" and mattresses, or 
standing disconsolately about. More came occasionally, 
until finally the place was actually crowded. j\lany were 
fortunate enough to have friends in Rainy River, whose 
homes were opened to receive them. The "Cathcart" hotel 
being the only one left, near the depot in Beaudette, was 
full to overflowing with "fire" suft'erers. These afflicted 
people were too grateful to complain much of rude 
quarters, but seemed to make the best of their unusual 
surroundings, As soon as certain railroad companies 
offered free transportation to all of those who wished 
to go to relatives and friends at other points, the number 



Talcs Prom the Minnesota Forest Fires 45 

was lessened: but. for all that, for a eonsiderable lenj^th 
of time no one had nuieh room to boast of. How we 
missed the comfort and freedom of a home! 

The doctors who had resided at Si)ooner were kept 
busv treatino- smoke-1)lin(le(l e}'es ; as patients havini^ 
this ailment were constantly beini;- broui^ht into the 
camps; this place Ijeini^- used as a temporary hospital for 
such cases. ( )thers were ill from excitement, but as yet 
little grief was displayed amono- them. Xo one seemed 
al)le to fullv comprehend the true situation. What one 
sought for now was food to appease hunger and rest if 
possible ; for sleep had been denied us that night. Xo 
doubt we all felt like one of the small l)oys who 
declared he was sure he would have ample time in the 
future to worry about the loss of his home and belong- 
ings, and now meant to have a rest from such trying 
affairs. This he did in true boy fashion, going on with 
his plav as if he knew^ no cares in the whole wade w^orld. 
It might be interesting to know that the sport indulged 
in at such a critical time consisted in hanging head down- 
wards from a beam in the Company's ice house. Peals of 
laughter revealed wdiat undaunted fun these lively young- 
sters found in doing this, causing them to almost forget 
the misfortune whose terrible results w^ere not yet fully 
known. 

It proved anuising to watch the throng file in as the 
noisv bell announced the meal-time in the dining camp. 
Eight or ten long tables were generally set, two or three 
times at each repast, before the Shevlin-^Mathieu Lum- 
ber Company's large family ( as they jestingly preferred 
to call themselves) had had their hunger appeased. And 



46 



Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 



what ravenous appetites the smoky cHmate seemed to 
give us ! The ham, biscuits and baked beans served so 
reeularlv— ves, three times a dav when we were allowed 
three rations — vanished with surprising rapidity as each 
tried to do justice to the daily menu. No time or occa- 
sion now to be exact, or even dream of fine table-linen, 
cut glass and silver. No, indeed, each and all had just 
one aim in mind — to be contented in having something 
to eat, hurrv through, and make room for some one else. 
Between the meals, time hung heavy on our hands. 
Many hardly dared to plan for the future, but tried to 
remain ind'fferent for the present at least. Every place 
on the mill plant, found convenient, was soon occupied. 
The office building and others also had their due share 

of tenants. A flatboat or 
tug, launched close to the 
dock, was transformed into 
a more exclusive dining- 
cafe. So as long as food 
could be obtained, there 
was no actual need of 
starvation. Yet, oftentimes, 
some hungry lad (not to 
speak of older persons) did 
long to once more raid 
"Mother's pantry." 

Thus the earlier davs 






li cliff AV 



Flat- 



were spent, during which 



Boat. the men were constantly on 

the watch, for smoldering fires still threatened the dry 
cedar-yard at Beaudette, some distance from the depot 



Talcs from flic Minnesota Forest I' ires 



47 



there. Tn this case it would have hccn daiii^crous for 
us all, as \vc were only across the bay from the yard. 
Hose was kci)t ready ; and the small boys thought it a 
o-reat responsibility, as well as amusement, when they 
were given the task of sprinkling and dampening the 
grounds, so that no sparks could cause further damage, 
should they tiy across. Ijut luckily the cedar-yard did 
not burn, though the Engler Lumber Co. mill, situated a 




Main Street of Beaudette Two Weeks after Fire. 



short distance from it, had a very close call. Their 
horses were hurriedly brought over to Spooner, and all 
preparations were made to meet the fires raging in the 
woods nearby. 

Constant anxiety prevailed for awhile, for everything 
was now as dry as cinders. Having seen what terrible 
destruction the fires could accomplish, one did not know 
what more to expect for some time. Wonderful to say, 
the very day after the horrible conflagration, a refresh- 
ine shower fell ; which, had it come before, might have 



48 



Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 




Ruins of the Lower Bridge and Boat-Docks after Fire. 



prevented the disaster by extinguishing the sparks that 
smouldered, under the blackened turf in recently burned- 
over places. Without much notice, these had been fanned 
into a mass of wide-spreading flames, supplemented, per- 
haps, by fires originating elsewhere. 

Alanv were the variegated stories told by the refu- 
gees. One family narrated their experience as follows : 
Noticing the threatening danger in the air that after- 
noon, they had hitched up the team and started olf' at 
full speed as they lived over two miles from Beaudette. 
In spite of the hurried departure, it was amusing to note 
how their little Clara had managed to bring her beloved 
cat and kittens with her, not daring to risk their safety 
by leaving them with her other childish belongings. The 
father had remained, in hopes of bringing the cattle to 



Talcs Prom tJic Minnesota [u)i'cst Fires 49 

town with liini. In llu' morning-, l)cf()rc wc liad seen his 
folks, \vc saw him looking" anxiously around while com- 
ing towards the remaininia;' portion of Beaudette. When 
we incjuired for his famil)-, he liad no idea where thev 
were, or whetlier the\- liad safely escaped. What a relief 
when he found them all, unharmed, at the "camps." 
Later he related how he had spent the nioht in a river 
two miles up, together with a family by the name of 
Hai^en. They had also headed for town, but, being- 
delayed in finding the horses that had wandered off, 
had made <i late start. Having covered part of the dis- 
tance, the\ were horrified to find their only means of 
esca]:)e cut oft' ])y fire, coming from nearly all directions. 
Leaving the poor beasts, wagon and all in the road, they 
were obliged to scramble pell-mell through the brush, 
hoping to reach the shallow creek further on in the 
woods. They succeeded in doing so, though only an 
occasional flicker lit up the path. Hardly had they 
jumped in before the roaring fire-fiend was upon them. 
To make matters worse, five-year-old Arthur — who, like 
so many other little lads, greatly dreaded water — started 
out and up the jjank. His father cauglit him and Ijrought 
him back. No sooner had he done this than his wife 
fainted, and on her recovery he asked her where the baby 
was; seeing slie did not have the infant in her arms, and 
not finding it elsewhere, he instinctively ran down stream 
a few ste]os ; and there was "Baby Hagen," floating on 
the water, wet to the skin, lint still alive. It was the 
w^ork of a minute for the cool-headed husband and his 
neighbor to cover his wife and children with a blanket, 
which he had wiselv snatched from the wagon when 



50 Talcs From tlic Minnesota Forest Fires 

leaving it. Then all cronched down as low as possible 
to escape the territic heat. What a dreadful suspense it 
was to them. It seemed evident they would perish even 
there, as ])urning- trees were continually falling around 
them, the stream being only a few feet in width. It was 
so hot where they were that the children's hair was 
partly singed, and the oldest boy had one side of his face 
slightly scorched. What a forlorn sight they presented, 
when, after spending all night in the water, they found 
their way to the home of a neighboring family, Oscar 
Johnson's, living perhaps one-half mile distant. Shiver- 
ing, soot-begrimed and disheveled, the group appeared 
at the door. Thank Providence there was a place for 
them to come to, after their hard experience ! ]\Ir. John- 
son's home had been spared, though all his other farm 
buildings and implements had been consumed by the 
flames. This family had sought refuge in the root-house 
which was dug into a very steep hill. But for that fire- 
proof place they might have lost their lives. During the 
afternoon they had taken the precaution to dampen the 
roof of the dwelling standing in the hollow ; and evi- 
dently that accounted for the sparks dying out when 
falling upon it. Peering out from the cellar, Mr. John- 
son had seen the stables ablaze. W^ishing to make at 
least an attempt to save his horses, whicli were inside, 
he rushed out to the burning building. He succeeded 
in rescuing them, though already the frightened animals 
had received some slight burns. The roof caved in 
immediately after they had been taken out. 

These people told how they had heard the fires com- 
ing, with terrific roar like that of a mighty cataract. 



7'(//(\s- I'roiii flic Minnesota I'orcst I' ires 51 

iloldii^i;' llu' door partly ajar, tluy seen il conie swccpiiii^' 
throui;ii llic woods like a i^iL^antic whirlwind, rolling 
ronnd and ronnd very rapidly, and liekin^- n]) ex'erxthin^- 
in its path, leaxini;- only the i^reenest tree-trnnks. 

'Other pioneers were sininltaneonsl\- ha\'in^- their Inll 
share of thrillini^' adventures, in various parts of the 
country. Two of these came in to purchase provisions 
early on ( )ctol)er tlie eighth, only to find their former 
market-place not in existence. 'Jdieir case proved equallv 
interesting. 

That week a twelve-foot well had l)een dug in a large 
field on the Henrickson farm, located four miles from 
Beaudette. Xo one imagined how useful it would prove 
to he inside of a few^ days, but on that notable afternoon 
the atmosphere looked threatening, and, fearing the for- 
est fires would ravage the locality ere night, Air. Hen- 
rickson proposed to use the well as a shelter, if neces- 
sary. Sure enough, it was not long before all had to flee 
from their homes and be lowered into the well. Small 
as it was, fourteen women and children were crowxled 
together in that narrow space. Then they were covered 
with drenching wet blankets, so as not to smother. 
Boards sprinkled with earth were laid over the top. and 
w^ater poured over them, so as to prevent the sparks from 
setting fire to them. I'arely had this been done wdien the 
fire was close upun them, like a sudden thunderstorm. 
The men had but a brief second to hurl themseh^es head- 
long into an almost dried-out creek below^ to escape the 
terrible wrath of the tiames. When the raging tempest 
passed over the well, it shook the boards, causing the 
soil to drop on those below. Live coals fell with it, 



52 



Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 



and the older ones had a busy time to beat them out, 
so they would not set the children's clothing on fire. 
Meanwhile, thinking a horrible death w^ould be their 
fate, the poor mothers and their little ones screamed 
and wept in greatest terror. lUit, thank God, all were 
mercifully given another chance of life. So perilous 
had been the situation of these refugees-, that the inci- 
dent following will more vividly picture this not-easily- 
forgotten experience : A cow belonging to the Strand 
family had followed their scent, and pursued them to 
the well. There she had been overcome by the intense 
heat and w^as found dead only about three feet from the 
well, after it was all over. 

When the fire-cyclone had rolled bv, the two house- 
holds discovered their homes, including stock and all, 
consumed by the destructive fiames. Only the dw^elling 



i'l 




iM^ 



-fi 



.-t 




Earl^ i'iuiiuuriiit;' in Uie Xui Ll 



7'(//(\v J'l'oin the Minnesota I'orcst J' ires 



53 



on the place mentioned liad l)een spared, apparently 
Ijecause it was built on an elevated plain. Fortunately 
spared, for soon some thirty souls found this an abiding 
place, having lost their own houses. Here they stayed 
until other houses could l)e secured, or they could erect 
temporary "shacks" to live in. 

Now it was evident that the "burned-(jut" multitude 
nuist start anew, and con(|uer difficulties more severe 
than when they had first begun. Then the woods w^ere 
green with fobage and fine timber; btit now there was 
a marked contrast. Jt has since been disccn'cred that the 
pioneers of this remote region have cause to be ])roud 
of their pluck and ])erseverance. So ambitious have the 
majority proven, in trying to achieve even better results 




Collection of Vegetables and Chicks from One Farm at Grace- 
ton. Market Day at Spooner, in Aug'., 1911. 



54 Talcs rroni the Miiuicsota Forest Fires 




Flower Exhibition at Beaudette Fair. Sept. 11th and 12th, 1911. 




Exhibition of Grain and A'esetables at tlie Beaudette Fail 
Sept. 11th and 12th, 1911. 



Talcs I'i'oiii flic Minnesota I'orcst I'ircs 



55 



than l)cforc, while nial<iiii;' ihcir soot-ljci^riiiK-d lands 
prodnctivc, that the fnic cxhihilion of af^ricnllnral ])r<)(l- 
ucts displayed, the latter ])art of the next snninier, in 
"Nineteen-elcven," was enough to eonvinee an\- one of 
their suecess. Then, too, the same i^rit has heen shown 
in qniekly rehuildini;- the towns tliat promise to be the 
fnture business centers of this northern section, if alwa\'s 
the best efforts are |)nt forth in e\ery wa\-, as is hoped and 
looked for. 




Beaudette and Spooner Three Weeks after Fire. 



Another occurrence, very similar to the one last des- 
cribed, was narrated by a friend who was then teach- 
ing in the Rap"d River District which is located about 
twenty-five miles from lieaudette. She was boarding 
with C. Sorenson at tlie time. Towards evening thev 
observed the sky's lurid hue, l)ut were positive the fire 
was on the Canadian side, across the river. Idiev there- 
fore felt little fear of its reaching: them ; but no sooner 



56 



Talcs Troni the Minnesota Forest Fires 



had their minds been set at rest, than someone rushed 
in, bearing the news that the woods were all ablaze. 
Looking out, they saw they had no time to lose, even to 
save valuables. So they quickly ran down to the river, 
which was close by. The whole household, with whom 
Miss Brondby was staying, plunged into the water none 
too soon. The thoughtful mother had managed to seize 
two loaves of bread from a table when she left, and it 
came in "mighty handy" when nothing else could be 
obtained to eat. 

In the early break of dawn, all emerged from their 
none too comfortable resting place to find, like others, 
only the charred remains of what had once been their 
home. All settlers in this community were rendered 
homeless, except one by the name of Knutson. An old 
barn located near the Rapid River and which had been 
used as granary, stood untouched on the liank. Here, 
for nearly a week, many of the neighboring refugees 
sought lodging. Meanwhile, living chiefly on "hot 




Arrival of Rapid River Refugees to Beaudette. 



Talcs Train the Minnesota T'orest I' ires 57 

cakes" made from the lloiir stored there (of course, 
other necessary in^recUents were lacking' in those "hot 
cakes"), l)ut in such a case no choice was j^iven in the 
daily l)ill of fare. As soon as tlie timl)er-1)locked roads 
coukl l)e ck'areck these sturdy "lire sufferers" walked tlie 
entir.' twenty-five miles' distance to Beaudette ; women and 
chihiren fnrming" the greater number of the c<jmpany. 

Another teacher, Margaret Donahue, who taught at 
Zipple. on the shore of the Lake of the Woods, also 
had an experience which might have cost her her life, 
liad not she, tix), been one of the fortunate. Noticing 
the fires raging, she dismissed the school and started for 
her claim, two luiles away. (This took place earlier in 
the dav.) Nearing the "homestead" she was confronted 
bv a wall of flames. In trying to escape, her shoes burned 
off her feet. Finally she managed to crawl into a sand- 
pit, where she remained an entire day, meanwhile suffer- 
ing ereatlv from the 1)urns which she had received. 
There a relief partv found her and it was weeks before 
Miss Donahue was fully restored to health, so she could 
continue her work at school. 

The residents of the more thinly-settled parts were 
not the only ones who had such dreadful deeds to per- 
form. Some, with the many living in the towns, passed 
through ordeals they will never forget. At one home 
the mother hy very ill with tyi)hoid fever. Xot until the 
tire was right near the sul)ur1)S. close l)y tlieir home. di<l 
the familv notice it. The sick woman was hast'ly placed 
in a l)lanket, witli her face covered, so she would not 
see the awful sight. Her husband and his l)rother car- 
ried her out, trving to maintain self-control, so she 



58 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

would not suspect anything and suffer a relapse. The 
two little daughters were instructed to run on in advance, 
for no one could possibly stop to lead them now. Then, 
even in this case, did the "doll question" arise, for right 
there in the street did the four-year-old tot refuse to go 
further without the last doll Santa had brought her. 
Her wailing plea awoke the half-conscious mother, who 
now looked back and saw the fire-fiend at his ruinous 
work. According to her own personal statement, after 
her return from a stay of several weeks at a hospital, 
she said she saw their home rent in halves during the 
destruction. Onward they hurried, fearful lest their 
efforts to escape would be in vain. Near a grocery store 
was a push-cart ; and in this the patient was more rapidly 
conveyed to the depot, one of the gentlemen now being 
able to take charge of the lagging little ones. They 
reached the station just in time to Ijoard the loaded 
freight train, Iwund for the Canadian side. 

At one home in Beaudett was another mother, also 
sick with typhoid fever. (This disease had caused the 
father's death two months previous to her attack.) See- 
mg no other means of rescue at hand, the older children 
carried her down to the river bank, back of the resi- 
dence. There the terrified little ones tried to support 
and hold her above the water-level some feet from the 
shore. It was dangerous to remain in the more shallow 
depth, closer to the edge, for even the boat-houses were 
being burned there. A Rev. Howard, who came plunging 
down the bank for his own safety, saw their struggles and 
went at once to their assistance. In spite of combined 
efforts for her recovery, the poor mother lived but a short 



Talcs Troiji the Minnesota Forest I' ires 



59 



time afterwards. When she was laid to rest beside her hus- 
band, several minor children became or])hans, besides also 
l)ein,n- rendered homeless throuj^h the disaster. 

( )nly a few blocks from 
this place a laroe root- 
house was built or du!:;- in 
the bank of the IJeaudette 
River. In this many lives 
were saved. Close by was 
the home of M. Henderson, 
entirelv untouched bv the 





^l. Henderson's Residence Sur- 
viving the Fire. 

tlames, though all else sur- 
rounding it was swept up 
by the fire. This (M. Hen- 
derson's ) was the only res- 
idence left in Beaudette, 
except those mentioned 
near the Railroad station. 
■Other citizens would have the most interesting 
accounts to relate in regard to their experience; but, as 
most of these were very similar and all had the one par- 
ticular aim in view, little that is new can ])e said in ref- 
erence to them ; yet many were often heard to remark 
that the last glimpses of home, they had had. when taking 



Henderson's Root-House near 

Beaudette where Many 

Lives Were Saved. 



6o 



Talcs From tJic Minnesota Forest Fires 



a parting glance during their flights, showed the win- 
dows brightly lighted — the lamps not having been turned 
out. 

As soon as possible, relief corps arrived from various 
places. Much was to be done, for the needs of all 
these homeless ones were many. Food, shelter and 
clothing were recjuired, and many other things needed 
their aid and attention. 




Arrival of Co. K of Bemidji and Governor Eberhart. 
Beaudette, Oct. 12, 1910. 



Among the first to arrive was our worthy Governor, 
A. O. Eberhart. His heart was filled with sympathy for 
his afflicted fellow citizens. Taking in the situation, he 
visited the sick and suffering ; spoke words of encourage- 
ment to the ones he came in contact with, and in this way 
he made each and all feel that their Governor was, indeed, 
"The man who has made good." His well-known act, 
in calling for a relief fund of $100,000, brought much 
help and comfort to the stricken people. We are glad 




A. O. Eberhart, Governor of INIinnesota. 1 909-1 M 2. 



62 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

to know there is a holy promise that some day each one 
will be rewarded according to his works. The one who 
"reigneth over all the universe and seeth all, will not 
forget even a cup of cold water given in His Name." 

How it cheered the bereaved inhabitants to see how 
quickly sympathetic people responded. Aid came from 
nearly all parts of the Union. More so, when noting the 
kind spirit with which it was done. Many gave the 
''widow's mite," while those who were blessed with 




Early Relief Work at Beaudette. 

greater wealth contributed in a generous manner to this 
worthy cause. Among those who remembered their fel- 
low-men according to the "Golden Rule," were the citi- 
zens of Chisholm, Minnesota. This town had met with 
a similar fate only two years previously. They had not 
yet recovered from its losses. These people showed, to 
the fullest extent, the true-sp'rited generosity which 
prompted them to take from what they had to relieve 
those who now had the country's sympathy. 



Talcs Tvoni the Minnesota Purest Tires 63 

May God n'clily bless each nol^le giver, and all who 
made any elTorls whatsoever, to lessen the hardships of 
this hre-swept rei^ion ! May J le {l()ii1)ly reward each 
one, according- to his deeds and i1k' sincere spirit with 
which they were rendered. 

No scx:>ner had the militia alighted from their "special" 
train, than they set out to perform the various tasks 




Militia Retiring after Council; Scene of Encampment on 
Beaudette School Grounds. 



assigned to tliem. One was to put up tents for tliem- 
selves, as well as for others who as yet had only the l)lue 
heavens for a cover over their heads. The school grounds 
at Beaudette, no doubt, reminded old veterans of the 
"Old Camp Grounds," when the numerous and various- 
sized tents were pitched upon it. Of the school here, 
only the two tall chimneys were standing to remind the 
youngsters of busier days. Here, too, a free restaurant 



64 Talcs From flic Minnesota Forest Fires 




The Cathcart School at Beaudette Before the Fire. 




Ruins of the Beaudette School-Building; First Relief Tent 
Pitched; Smoke Arising in Distance, from tlie Burn- 
ing Coal Cliutes near Depot. 



Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 65 




Mess Tent Where Militia Dined. 




Fire Refugees at Beaudette. 



66 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

was established, and many were the hungry beings who 
constantly sought this "out-door dining cafe." 

The Red Cross Society was also promptly at hand, 
with hospital tents, doctors and trained nurses, ready 
for action. Sorrowful to know, in spite of miraculous 
escapes, there was great need of their assistance. Not 
alone did the typhoid fever patients and other conva- 
lescents require care, but there were those who had been 




Red Cross Hospital Camp. 

robust and well only a fortnight since, and who now 
were writhing in greatest agony and pain as a result 
of being injured in the catastrophe. Many had to part 
with loved ones who- were ill before it happened. Though 
conscious that they had but gone to a safer harbor, their 
bereaved relatives felt that they could afford to lose 
homes, money, stocks and bonds ; but when it came to 
answering Death's quiet call, it was hard to be fully 
resigned in letting the dear ones go. 



I'alcs From tJic M iiiiicsoUi I'orcst I'ircs 67 




Red Cross Hospital with Attendants, During- Fire Period. 



; 




/"^^^^B.-^ 

/^•^i. 




"iiE llT^ 


■^^s^ 


^^0*1 '^jH 


■ 



S. M. I.br. Co.'s Office Building, as Temporary Bank of Spooner, 
Oct. 1910. 



68 



Talcs From flic Miiiiicsofa Forest Fires 



The towns were elosely guarded 1)y the miHtia. 
Shortly after the event, several suspicious looking char- 
acters had flocked hither, with evil intentions. Two 
such were overheard in earnest conversation, planning a 
night raid on the sleeping-quarters in the "Camp" at 
Spooner, among the unsuspecting sleepers. The place was 
therefore guarded all night hy two armed men, who took 
turns in being awake, olxserving as much secrecy as pos- 

s i b 1 e . So the wicked 
devices were averted ; and, 
as soon as reported to the 
sheriff, soldiers were sta- 
tioned to guard the differ- 
ent parts of the devastated 
towns. The bank vaults 
were closely watched, day 
and night, by these sentin- 
els, until the valuables 
could be removed to a safer 
place of deposit where 
plunderers could not so 
easily make an entrance. 
One of the foremost duties of the soldiers was to 
secure able-bodied men and teams and turn their course 
out to the country settlements, and there rescue the 
victims who had fallen by the wayside, and bring the 
dead to their final resting place. It was a duty so sad 
as to touch the most hardened heart, causing even the 
bravest to shudder. 

Only three miles up, in the Hagen district, on a soot- 
consisting of nine 




Vault of the Beaudette Bank 
Oct. 12. 1910. 



covered field, lav an entire family, 



7\//(\s- I'rom the Miiiiicsofa I'orcst Fires ftf) 




belief Hustlers for Fire Sufferers. Oct., 1910. 



mcnil^ers. These were the Brotten's. They had tried to 
save themselves l^y getting into a valley, but even there 
it was useless.' In the terrible smoke and excitement they 
had dropped during their frantic flight, and met with the 
awful tragedy of being suffocated on the spot. The sol- 
diers found them lying scattered about on the field close 
by — the mother with the youngest children around her. 
A neighbor, living on this place, Inu-.'ed himself partly 
in the muddy creek-bottom at the meadow's edge, and 
so escaped with severe burns on his face and hands. The 
Brotten home, situated perhaps a mile away, stood 
unharmed that night; Init who would know just where 
was safest when flames were descending with such 
velocity towards their shelter? Two days later, the house 
was also destroyed, ])y new fires fanned up from the 
preceding one. This family had resided in the com- 
munity but a short time. 



70 Talcs From flic Minnesota Forest Fires 

Farther up, as they traveled on, these soldiers would 
come across some other corpse, lying near the roadside. 
Their path was made more difficult by the fallen burnt 
timber. In most of the instances the victims proved to 
be homestead-seekers who had arrived shortly before, 
perhaps with bright plans for the future. With knap- 
sacks strapped to their shoulders, some had started briskly 
out, expecting to reach town in safety, but this time they 
did not reach the destination anticipated. Among the 
tall pines and thick tamaracks did they suddenly find their 
life's journey ended in a most unlooked-for manner. 
Only two of these were yet alive, when found in a mus- 
keg swamp, though so badly burned that the elder died 
a few days afterwards. These were a father and son, 
who had come from Iowa to locate claims in a newly- 
opened section. On my return from Graceton I had seen 
them on the train when coming to Beaudette ; the next 
time I saw them was in the hospital-tent, hovering 
between life and death. 

A survivor of their party, Mr. Jorgeson, told — when 
he came in, bearing the tidings of his poor companions 
and their whereabouts — of his own marvelous escape. 
Seeing the dreaded fury advancing at "break neck" 
speed, they had left the road and fled into the forest to 
find a small brooklet having its course there. The younger 
man and himself had barely jumped in and covered them- 
selves with earth from the bottom, when the sizzling 
flames shot over them. No response was given to their 
call, for the other two had come too late. When the 
fire had gone by, the men in the creek were both more 
or less injured, having received painful burns. The 



Talcs from the Minnesota Forest J' ires 71 

younger one was l)nrned so severely that the soldiers 
were oblii^ed to l)ring him in on a "stretcher." His 
father had suffered fatal injury. 'Hie surviN'or's hrotlier 
was dead only a few feet from the l)ank of the stream. 
In telling' of his sad experience, the young man remarked : 
''When accjuaintances in(|uired alxnU my brother, seeing 
me there alone, it was the hardest task I liad e\'er under- 
taken to answer 'Will is dead.' " 

Other cruisers saved themselves l)y rowing in llie 
middle of some larger stream. Some, who were over 
thirty miles in the wilderness at the time of the fire, told 
how the wild animals of the forest — moose, deer, bear 
and others — swam constantly about in the water near 
them ; the terror of the moment causing them to forget 
both timidity and ferocity. 

Fourteen miles from town, another tragedy occurred, 
which, when known, brought tears to the eyes of many. 
Another family, w^ell known in Beaudette and Spooner, 
had been sacrificed to the fire-fiend. Edward Rulien, 
his wife and seven children, all perished as the fires over- 
whelmed them at their home. Air. Nordstrom, who 
owned some land near liy, had just come to the Rulien 
home that afternoon. The air was then smoky, but such 
was a frequent case during the dry summer. The day 
was spent as usual, with no foreboding of what was to 
happen ere it had drawn to a close. Having become 
wearv after his long trip from Ijeaudette, their visitor 
had just lain down for a nap, when he was aroused very 
suddenly. Mrs. Rulien called to him, asking that he get 
up and help them make preparations, as the forest fires 
were comiu"-. Already the\' reflected their vivid hues 



72 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

on the dusky horizon. No sooner said than done, it was 
a moment's work to l)ring- the horses from the stable and 
hitch them to the wagon. Their intention was to bring 
the family to safety; Init, jnst when they were helping 
the children into the vehicle, the air became so thick and 
full of sparks that they saw their efforts would be use- 
less. It was now too late to get by the woody stretch 
to the open meadows beyor.d. While the men were 
hitching up the team, Mr. Xordstrom tells how impres- 
sive it was to observe how quiet the little girls were 
during the exciting ordeal. There were six little girls, 
with the baby. Not a single frightened shriek did he 
hear. Instead, he heard both Hildegarde and Evelyn 
say repeatedly, 'Tf we must go, we'll go to God." So 
confiding was their childlike faith, that even in the 
shadow of Death this sweet assurance was dear to them. 
With these accents on their lips, which were no doubt 
the last, they were ushered into the Paradise of Rest, 
sometime to see the Good Shepherd, whom by Christian 
parents they had been taught, on earth, to revere and 
trust. 

Seeing they were surrounded, Mr. Rulien took some 
of the little ones to the root-cellar, while Mr. Nordstrom 
tried to release the horses. It was then so sweltering 
hot, that, though one of the little girls had thrown a wet 
towel over his head, he could not finish, the task. Call- 
ing them to follow him to the distant brook, he dashed 
through the blazing brush, to reach it if possible. Near 
the buildings were several tons of hay, and large burn- 
ing bales fell on him as he plunged by. Hastily he crept 
from under them, Ijut his feet were so terril)lv scorched 



Talcs From the Minnesota forest Fires /T, 

that he suffered intensely all night in his cramped posi- 
tion. Not a sound did he hear, only that made by the 
fires, lie feared lie would l)cconie insane before dawn, 
not daring to even hope his neighbors had survived after 
such a furious sea of flames had so entirely enveloped 
the place; 

In the grey daylireak he dragged himself up towards 
the now invisil)le buildings ; and one fleeting glance was 
sufficient to convince him of what had ])cen wrought by 
the cruel en.emy. Xo living thing could l)e detected 
near them. Then it was all he could do to stumble over 
the fallen-timl)er-covered road to town, his walk made 
almost unbearable by the pain of his blistered feet. In 
this way he brought the sad news. The militia set out 
as soon as it was known, to fulfill a last duty to the fire's 
victims. 

That same evening, only a little over a mile from 
the Rulien home, a former neighbor was alone' on his 
claim. He had just come from town to look over his 
land, having heard that small fires had been seen smol- 
dering thereon. \Miile he was sitting at his solitary 
evening meal, a deafening roar fell upon his ears. Run- 
ning out, he saw flames advancing from two directions, 
leaping over the tree-tops. Thinking thev would not 
cross the meadows to the other side of the little rivulet, 
he loaded his arms wdth various articles and carried them 
to some vacant l)arn Iniildings situated there. On one of 
his return trips he was terror-stricken to observe how the 
fires had now spread and were all around him. The red 
sparks appeared more terrifying against the dusky smoke- 
filled horizon as the strong gale hastened the danger 



74 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

onward. The hideous flames came rolling over the 
grassy ridges towards him, burning quickly over the 
grassy stubble. Thinking his last hour had come, he 
fell on his knees and asked the Lord to make him resigned 
to his will, if this was the way he should die. Instantly 
something seemed to urge him forward ; and, running 
a few steps, he fell into the dry creek, where he lay close 
to the ground until the danger had passed over. In the 
morning the entire spot around where he had stood when 
the fire was sweeping towards him was burnt to the turf 
and only the roots of the large willow bushes were 
remaining. 

Presently, he hurried towards the dwelling, for he 
saw the light of the lamp glimmering through the dark- 
ness. Arriving there he found only the ladder on fire, 
and snatched it away. The house was otherwise 
untouched. Everything else around the place was 
destroyed. Alost of the timber lay flat on the ground, 
having been torn up by the roots. Large areas were 
covered by such trees, so thickly that it was difficult for 
even the hardiest kind of a cruiser to pass through. 
Coming back to Spooner, his family was overjoyed to 
find him alive, this being another one of the happy reun- 
ions which occurred during these days. 

At the time when the soldiers were up the Beaudette 
River on their sad mission, another family of five were 
brought in from near Pitt — the Coffin's. They had aimed 
to reach town, finding it was very unsafe on their wooded 
farm. The mother carried the youngest child, and Mr. 
Coffin led the two little boys. Onward they hurried ; 
but, alas, the next morning the father was found in a 



l\ilcs I'roiii I he Miniicsola I'orcst I'ircs 75 

ditch, willi an arm cnfoldiiii^- cacli little son. ( )n tlic 
track near 1)\' la\- the mother with the ])ah\- clasped to her 
bosom, all in the slnmher of death. ( )ne of their neii;h- 
bors, a Mrs. Coleman, sought refuge in the well, her 
husband being in ])Caudette. Feeling nuich worried in 
regard to her safety, he had started off on a hand-car to 
look for her. Finding his wife, he returned to the rail- 
road with her, though the heat was so terrific then that 
it was feared the iron rails would twist out of shape, but 
in spite of this they w^ould not surrender. Mr. Coleman 
and the men with him propelled the car steadily forward, 
reaching the depot much exhausted after their heroic 
efforts. 

While battling for life in that perilous plight, ^Irs. 
Coleman states they wdiizzed close l\v her friend lying 
near the track, but so suddenly that they could not 
recognize who it was, except that it was some dead human 
being. She told how she had called at the Coffin's the 
same day, and how they then had planned to escape, 
should ever the fires ravage their surroundings. In 
leaving, the dear little baby girl had waved her last fare- 
well to her, smiling and laughing in innocent glee, all 
being unconscious that this was their last encounter on 
earth. 

In the Silver Creek district, other lives w^ere lost. 
The rescuers came upon the victims lying dead where 
the flames had overcome them. Oh, what sad scenes 
were witnessed by these men ! There was more than 
one mother's boy lying there, among the destroyed trees 
and log cabins, wdio would never again gladden her 
heart with a letter or a visit. All, except one, were in 



y^ Talcs From the Miuucsofa Forest Fires 




Burial Scene of Silver Creek Fire Victims. 




Memorial Services observed by Silver Creek Congreg-ation, 
In Memory of the Fire Victims. 



Talcs Troiii (he Minnesota J'urcst Tires 



77 



such condition that no casket could l)c used. Jiut still 
the solemn funeral rites were performed, and there, m 
the stillness of the blackened forest, in llie little rural 
cemetery which narrowly escaped destruction, were these 
young men laid to rest. 

On the twelfth of Octolier, the unusual funeral serv- 
ices were held at the P>eaudette Cemetery. A long 
trench had been dug by the volunteer assistants, which 




Trench Grave of 27 Victims after Fire. 



was to serve as a grave for the departed. Near by were 
the rude boxes which answered as caskets. The scene 
which followed after low^ering the victims to their final 
resting place will be a lasting memory to those who were 
present. The smoke-dimmed atmosphere and deso- 
lated surroundings added vividness to the touching sight. 
While the Rev. AMiite, of Bemidji, conducted the 
ceremony, the men around the trench stood with bared 
heads. All felt the solemnity of the hour, and were con- 



78 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 




Funeral Services Conducted by Rev. S. E. P. White, at th« 
Trench of the Fire Victims, Oct. 12. 



scions of a higher power. Seeing the uncertainty of life 
caused them to pause and realize how it is not merely 
a fleeting dream. Not alone can the earthly possessions 
vanish ; even so must all himianity leave some time for 
the realms of the Great Beyond. But what comfort the 
poet's sincere words can bring as he quotes : 

"Life is real, life is earnest 

And the grave is not its goal. 

Dust thou art, to dust returnest, 

Was not spoken of the soul." 

These beautiful lines can bring a ra; 
consolation to the bereaved relatives and 
were left to mourn their loss. 



of hope and 
friends who 



Talcs Troiii the Minnesota Tovcst Tires 



79 



DiirinL;' llic days which followed, cars arrived fi-oni 
Beniidji, Winnipeg", Crookston, Dnlnlli and oIIrt cities, 
at the fire ravaged places along the C. X. !\. K. These 
contained such necessary articles as food, clothing, C(Xjk- 
ing-ntcnsils, stoves and lieds. 

Before long there was a general "cami)ing out" at 
these towns and the near-lying districts, though the late 




Tent Town at Spooner. 



season hlighted the enjoyment of such an occasion. In 
Spooner and Beaudette, tents were clustered in groups 
on the river l)ank and on the school ground. The novelty 
did not last long, for soon Jack Frost was a frequent 
guest among them. Often his chilling presence was felt, 
especially so when an early fall of snow caused icy drifts 
to gather around the flapping canvas shelters, and the 
bleak north winds howled dismally outside, sending their 
piercing blasts in through every crack and crevice. Then, 
in spite of the small air-tight heaters and (if one were 
fortunate to possess them ) the .heavy army ])lankets. the 



8o Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

cold air would cause one to shiver and think of the past. 
The more comfortable dwellings were hailed with glad- 
ness when winter came in full earnest, with its blizzards 
and ''thirty below zero" weather. Of course, these new 
shelters were to many a great contrast from their former 
devastated homes; but, in a time like this, necessities 
were to be appreciated, if luxuries could not be secured. 

Often did touching incidents occur at the large tents, 
which served as store-rooms during the week after the 
disaster. Willing hands were kept busy giving out cloth- 
ing and food to the needy. Many came timidly forward, 
hardlv daring to present their requests ; but a look at 
their thinly-clad relatives and families gave them new 
courage to proceed. On such an occasion, when home, 
wearing apparel and all were reduced to ashes, modest 
pride had to yield, and the generosity of sympathizers 
was accepted gratefully. 

One instance, among several, touched the hearts of 
those in charge. A large family, consisting of parents, 
nine children and a grandmother, drew near the tent 
where half-worn clothing was stored. The father pre- 
sented an order for a few articles in that line, for his 
brood. Judging from appearances, they were all sadly 
in need of them. This family had recently come from 
their home near Silver Creek, perhaps seven miles from 
Spooner. During the night of the fire, while the rest 
were deep in slumber, some one had fortunately spied 
the oncoming flames sweeping rapidly towards their 
home. Rousing the sleepers, all had hastily fled to the 
Rainy River and out on the boom, so none had time to 
dress properly. They had sufifered from the chilly night 



Talcs I'l'oiii the Minnesota I'orcst Tires 



8i 



winds, shivering out on their narrow support. Some 
neighbors tried to share a few (hlapidated garments with 
them in the morning, l)nt these liappened to l)e in a 
needy eondition themselves. It was therefore a pitiful 
attempt, for the large group were a sad sight tn behold 
when arriving at tlieir destination. Xo wonder lielp was 
gi\en them so willini>]\-, witliout a moment's hesitation! 



p.. 



. t». 




iVUSt Co '»V" or St*\jac-rT«^ oc>, itJ^ 



The Future Co. "A" of Beaudette, Oct., litlO 



Yes, varied were the seenes on those "tenting grounds." 
Not alone did we see human 1)eings wander ainilessly 
about, wath no definite plan in mind, but the lower ani- 
mals were also frequent visitors among the living mul- 
titude. Near the soldiers' barraeks, one day, was dis- 
covered a poor little cat, whose front paws had been 
so badlv l)urned that it could not place them on the 



82 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 




Scene on Beaudette School Grounds. 



ground. It sat mewing mournfully, every fiber in its 
feline body quivering witb pain. A young girl, who 
spied it there, obtained a can of milk from the dining- 
tent close by. This was used to satisfy the small crea- 
ture's hunger. While it was eating, it still sat on its 
haunches, but now purred contentedly, while eagerly lap- 
ping its delayed repast. A member of the militia was 
afterwards seen to bandage up "Pussy's" wounded paws, 
and was heard to declare that the kitten was going home 
with him as a souvenir of his memorable trip. 

Further away, just outside the fence, stood a rugged 
little donkey seemingly deep in his own thoughts, little 
heeding the confusion around him. With his master, 
an aged homesteader, he had been in a field during the 
fires, and was thus enabled to take in the strange situa- 



7'(//(\v I'roiii I lie Minnesota forest Fires 83 






u o e -r T E . 









-iii-.j 



^«^^^ \ 






M. N. G. Barracks. Nov. 4. 1910. 



tions. He stood there despondently for hours, yet no one 
paid any attention to him. Finally some little girls were 
seen approaching, lugging a hatte "ed hucket of water 
from the well in the school yard, when they ofifered this 
to him, while hestowing a few friendlx- caresses, it was 
noticed that, in his dumh manner, even he showed signs 
of appreciation. 

Those davs were full of changes and trials for many 
of the people. The uncomfortable abodes and unsani- 
tary condition caused much sickness among them. While 
going through the crowded lodging-places. i)itiful sights 



84 



Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 



would often appear before our gaze. Sometimes entire 
families of little children lay moaning- in pain from a 
burning fever. In rare cases only could proper care and 
comforts be given. Later the Red Cross provided better 
accommodations. Oftentimes the older folks would break 
down, when physical power could no longer resist, and 
weary brains, reflecting on losses sustained in the catas- 
trophe, could no longer withstand the strain of a weak- 
ened vitality. In most instances, not even a quiet nook 
could be provided for them, and the noise and confusion 
reigning in the "camps" at intervals made their plight 
almost unbearable. The mingled human voices, shrieks 
of children, Imrking of dogs, and other din, often dis- 
turbed their much-needed rest. Though all had much to 
be thankful for, the dark sides were also numerous — too 
numerous to mention in this narration. 

Shortly afterwards, large buildings were erected 1\v 




M. N. G. Barracks. 



Talcs From tJic Minnesota Forest Fires 85 

the relief committee, which served as store-houses until 
sprini;-. l'\)r awhile, two of these were used as dwelling's 
for those who as yet liad found nn warmer shelter than 
the tents. All winter the work of supplying the desti- 
tute was continued. God alone knows what credit each 
one deserves for his or her conduct, in putting forth the 
hest endeavor in ])er forming this responsible duty. 

It can safely l)e stated that, in spite of untoward cir- 
cumstances, a good many incidents were w^itnessed by 
those employed, which revealed a sensitive nature hidden 
in more than one bosom. This was often the case when 
needy people, called for relief, which they inwardly 
shrank from seeking. 

An amusing instance will illustrate one of the many 
applying to the same subject. A little boy came to the 
headcjuarters one day, and took his stand bashfully near 
the counter. When asked his errand, he looked down 
at his scorched boots and timidly answered that he 
desired a pair of boots. Not being certain of his size, 
he was told to remove the old and try the new ones on. 
The lad hesitated, but, being urged again, he became 
much mortified, and finally blurted out that "mother had 
some yarn alright, but she hadn't had time to darn the 
holes in his stockings before he left home." This disclosed 
the mystery of his peculiar actions ; and it is needless 
to say the condition of his much-worn foot-gear was 
overlooked and gladly pardoned. 

The donations given by the kind sympathizers were 
used for many purposes. Nearly all stock-owners had 
lost their winter's supply of hay ; other people needed 
material for temporary homes, while nearly everyone 



86 



Tales From the Minnesota Forest Fires 



required more or less in the way of food and clothing. 
Then, at Christmas-time, the eager little ones were not 
forgotten. Several of them had wondered if St. Nick 
would care to visit such a dreary-looking place ; and one 
little girl, Alice, had even penned a letter to "Santa 
Claus," asking if he would please send her and the haby 
sister a doll apiece, for she had pinned his picture to 
the wall and it was the only picture they had just at the 
present time. Some toy, and a parcel containing fruit 
and confectionery, was given to each child living at any 
of the various places destroyed. The small gifts brought 
happiness to many a tender heart. In years to come, they 
will not forget their first Yuletide after the fire. Times 
had then changed in many a household, and therefore the 
kind deeds were highly appreciated by the children. In 
behalf of these, the writer will again extend the most 




Rebuilding- Spooner, or Doing- Business Five Days after 
the Fire. 



laics I'l'oiii the Minnesota I'orcst I'ircs 



87 



heartfelt thanks to ah concerned in mivini;- Httle ones 
happiness. 

To the credit of several weH-known in(h\i(hials in tlie 
locahty, it may he said they showed their trne worth 
dnrino- the trying- period l-'orgettini;- their own con- 
(htion, the\- hd)ore(l incessantly for the sake of others. 
Jf nothing else could he accomplished, tlie\- would at 
least, with a warm hand-clasp, silentl\- express their 
sympathy for distressed fellow^ creatures. 

\'ery soon did the work of rehuilding the towMis hegin. 
From early morn till late, day in and day out, did the 




Beg-inning- First House foi- Shevlin-Mathieu I^br. Co., 
Oct. 12, 1910. 



husy hammers sound, even through tlie coldest winter 
weather. Alany fine huildings have 1)een erected. Cement 
pavements have taken the place of those destroyed. 
Everywhere have signs s])rung u]) which clearl\- indicate 
pluck and perseverance among the people. In the coun- 
try communities, agriculture has heen pursued even more 
extensively than he fore. As seed driven hv the State was 



Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 




Beaudette Congregational Church, Dedicated Oct. Sth, One Yeai 
After the Disaster. 




City Hall and Auditorium, Spooner, Minn., After the Disaster 

in 1911. 



I'alrs From tlic Miiiiicsofa I'orcst I'ircs 89 




Part of Beaudette and Spooner Nine Months after Catastrophe. 




Harvesting Oats on Cowan's Farm, 1^/^ Miles from Beaudette, 
Aug. 1911. 



go Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

distributed to the farmers, large areas of blackened land 
were converted into high, waving fields of grain and hay 
during the first summer, on all farms where the owners 
had taken an interest in the industry. 

Travelers passing through the northern part of Min- 
nesota, on the Canadian Northern Railroad, will wonder 
at the utter desolation of forest regions in different parts 
of the devastated country. The unusual sights contrast 
greatly with the beautiful wooded groves and green hills 
and valleys in other parts of the State. But we hope 
and feel confident that, as time advances, these portions 
will also l)lossom out, and a flourishing, progressive 
region will be seen instead. 

Ere the conclusion of this narrative, the inhabitants 
of the various vicinities had celebrated the first notable 
Memorial Day held here. Wishing to pay tribute to the 
dead, arrangements were made for the services to be held 
on May 28th, 191 1, so that as many as possible could be 
present. 

Leaving the auditorium at Spooner, the people started 
out, headed by the Boy Scouts, lodges and school chil- 
dren. At Beaudette those citizens joined them, and 
together they proceeded to the cemetery.' All were laden 
with some remembrance for the departed, if not more 
than a spray of evergreen. The march was indeed an 
unusual one. All along the way were signs of the fire's 
ruinous work. The once verdant trees had disappeared. 
Only the blackened trunks and massive upturned roots 
were left to denote where these had formerly been. 

Arriving at the graveyard, we saw the mounded 
trench of those whose memory we had come to honor. 



laics I'roiii the Minnesota I'orcst I'ircs ()\ 




Beaudette and Spooner Citizens Marching- to" Cemetery, 
Memorial Day. 




Scene in Cemetery in May, 1911, Memorial Day, 



92 Talcs From the Minnesota Forest Fires 

already decorated with wild spring flowers and ever- 
greens. Serious thoughts stirred each heart as we stood 
viewing the mound. Vivid recollections reminded us 
that, only a year before, these also had been among the 
living. 

Filing in order, the people gathered on the hillside 
and all around the near-lying graves. The children stood 
on one side laden with flowers and foliage. Up yonder, 
on a hill, were the Scouts, standing at attention under 
the large flag which floated on the breeze. All had a 
tinge of solemnity ; even the sky seemed to suit the occa- 
sion, with dark clouds overcasting the background, show- 
ing only glimpses of blue and white through fleecy 
shadows. 

The ceremony was led by Col. Foster of Duluth. Rev. 
Howard delivered the memorial address. After singing 
two patriotic songs, and the familiar hymn, ''Nearer My 
God to Thee," the benediction was given by Rev. Hill, 
of Spooner. A short tribute was then paid to the vet- 
erans who were present ; one of these a northern settler 
and a "fire fighter" as well, who had fought in the long 
civil war. The bugle-call was sounded, echoing through 
the ravines and resounding over the river bends. This 
was done in honor of the veterans who had shown such 
valor in enduring hardships on the battle field ; and like- 
wise in honor of the courageous pioneers who had come 
to the recent wilderness, hoping to achieve better results ; 
to erect homes here that would be their pride and com- 
fort in years to come. Now their cherished aims and 
amotions were stilled forever. Now they were at rest, 
never more to be burdened with the cares and struggles 



Talcs Prom ilic Minnesota Forest Fires 



93 




First Memorial Services observed by Beaudette and Spooner 
Citizens in Memory of the Fire Victims of Oct., 1910. 



of a "homesteader's" life, nor with any earthlv conllict. 
At the close, the graves of the trench were decorated, 
first l)y the citizens and various lodges ; then by the hoys ; 
followed l)y the girls, who carried ferns and white car- 
nations. In the rear came two small Scouts, hearing a 
beautiful fioral wreath, presented b>' tlic Red Cross 
Society of Washington, D. C. IMacing this reverently 
at the head, the adorning of the trench was completed. 
Soon the sounds of tlie living were hushed, and the dead 
were again left to their (piiet repose in tlie fire-swept 
cemetery. 



94 Talcs From flic Minnesota Forest Fires 



This brief "write up" will give to readers a true 
conception of this awful catastrophe. Its rumors have, 
no doubt, been spread over the entire United States, yet 
to many, most of the incidents described will be new and 
ever appealing. 



JUL 24 1912 



